The Eagles have played better over the last two weeks, but let’s not forget who they played — the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders. 

The Eagles should have won those games.

But have they really turned things around before the playoffs?

It’s so difficult to gauge the Eagles right now after two wins against horrible teams. Las Vegas and Washington have two of the bottom-10 defenses in the NFL. So, it’s hard to be super impressed. However, there finally was balance in the offense, and the defense has been great.

So, did the Eagles figure things out?

That question will be answered Sunday. 

The Eagles will play at the Buffalo Bills in an important test before the playoffs. The Bills are one of the top teams in the NFL, and Josh Allen is one of the more dominant quarterbacks. And since the game is in Buffalo, the Eagles will have to perform in a hostile environment.

I am super excited for the game, and not because it’s a great matchup. I want to see the Eagles go in there and compete. I want to see a clean and well-played game. I want to see great play-calling. I want to see the defense contain Allen, James Cook and that offense. 

I would rather them lose when they played a very good and competitive game than to win an ugly game. On the other hand, the Eagles need to win this game for even more confidence. If the Eagles can beat the Bills, they will surely get a momentum boost, and they can ride that (hopefully) to another Super Bowl appearance. 

Cook leads the NFL with 1,532 rushing yards. He has 100-yard games against the Bills’ last five opponents, including the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans, two teams that are top units against the run. Stopping him will be no easy task for the Eagles. 

The good news?

Jalen Carter returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing shoulder procedures that sidelined the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for three games.

The bad news?

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Nakobe Dean is “iffy for this week.” He left the win over the Commanders with a hamstring injury, so Dean is probably out this week, but hopefully Carter can play.

The Eagles are 1-5 this season when they surrender 125-plus rushing yards, and Cook can put up those numbers easily. Stopping him will be a huge test for Fangio and the Eagles.

And stopping Allen will be another. 

Only three quarterbacks have produced a better passer rating this season, and he leads all QBs in rushing yards (552) and rushing touchdowns (12). The Chargers’ Justin Herbert is second in rushing yards (461), and Jalen Hurts is second in TDs (eight).

So not only can he attack with his arm, but he is a big threat on the ground.

The Eagles have a massive challenge on defense Sunday. But the defense has kept the Eagles in most games this season and are a big reason they are 10-5. Even though the matchup is tough, the defense continues to make big plays and control games.

The Eagles’ offense could have an easier time.

The Bills’ defense can definitely be taken advantage of. They rank 15th in points allowed per game (22.9). In their last three games, they have allowed 28.3. 

And here is something else — the Bills have allowed the 29th-most rushing yards per game (144.3). So Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby should be used a lot. The Bills are horrible against the run, so continue feeding the backs. Lane Johnson’s potential return could help the offensive line’s run blocking, too.

On the flip side, the Bills have allowed 167.1 passing yards per game, the second-least in the league. 

I want to see Hurts get some numbers, as well. I still think the Eagles’ key to winning the game is on the ground, but they need to maintain that balanced attack. So, let’s hope they also  get A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert involved. 

Again, this is a big test and a great tune-up for the playoffs. 

It’s not a must-win game for the Eagles, per say, even though they still have a small shot at the second seed. However, it’s a must-win, in regards to morale. 

Still, the Eagles are in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Nick Sirianni is only the fifth coach in NFL history to take his first five teams to the playoffs, a journey that includes two two Super Bowl appearances, six playoff wins, three NFC East titles and a .700% winning percentage.

The Eagles have big-game experience, and if they use that to beat the Bills, they should be in great position to do some more damage in the playoffs. 

But an issue that could stand in the way of that is Jake Elliott. 

I mean, three missed field goals against the Commanders is bad. He was lucky Washington was the opponent and the Eagles overcame his misses. But that will not be the case against better teams and in closer games when every point is crucial.

It’s too late in the season to find someone else, especially before the playoffs. But would it hurt to bring in someone for a workout? Sirianni already said he has confidence in Elliott, so a change is unlikely. So, Elliott better wake up, not only for the Bills, but for the entire playoffs.

Right now, beating the Raiders and Commanders aren’t exactly wins to brag about. This is still the team that lost three straight games, all of which were winnable if the Eagles didn’t make costly mistakes.

But beating the Bills will be something to talk about.

Beating the Bills will show the Eagles are ready to make noise next month.